The Medicare Program is available to all US citizens, and legal residents that have been living in the states for the last 5 years in a row. This is an individual insurance program, meaning you are not able to share it with anyone else. It does not matter who they are, each individual can only take benefits from their own plan, and what they have paid for. If your spouse is eligible for Medicare then they will need a plan of their own, and their payment plan will have nothing to do with yours.

Age

Once someone turns 65 they are automatically eligible to enroll in a Medicare program. There is a grace window period during which any legal citizen of the USA can enroll once they turn 65, and their application will not be rejected. This means no matter what health condition they suffer from, the program will have to accept them. Once the window has passed, you will find it hard to get yourself enrolled. The grace period is of 6 months, and starts on the first of your birthday month. It does not matter if you are collecting Social Security or not, you can still enroll in a Medicare Plan. If you are covered under your employer’s insurance, then your grace period will start as soon as you retire.

Disability

If you are under the age of 65, and are a legal resident of the United States of America who suffers from a disability that is eligible then you can apply for a Medicare plan. Keep in mind that the eligibility begins after you have received 24 months of Social Security Disability Benefits. Before your 25th month starts you will receive a card in the mail, and on the first of the next month you will be able to use it.

Medical Condition

It does not matter what age you are, if you suffer from ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). You will be automatically be qualified for Medicare. As per special Medicare eligibility rules, set to help people who suffer from such conditions. You will automatically become eligible once you have received benefits for 24 months, and you will be enrolled in Part A and Part B of Original Medicare. You will receive a card in the mail, and your coverage will start on the first of the 25th month.